A covered bridge struck by semi truck is closed until further notice after a truck driver tried their luck at crossing it and failed.
The incident happened on Monday, November 20th in West Earl Township, Pennsylvania near the intersection of Cider Mill Road and Covered Bridge Road.
According to WGAL 8, the truck, driven by 50-year-old Stacy Pater, tried to cross the Bitzer’s Mill covered bridge and got stuck on the roof support beams, causing damage to the 1800’s structure. The rig then caused further damage by trying to reverse out of the bridge. The bridge has a marked height restriction of 10’6″.
PennDOT has released a statement regarding the need for a repair plan, and says that the bridge will remain closed for now. A detour has been put in place using Farmersville Road (Route 1010), Route 322 and Pleasant Valley Road.
The bridge is believed to be built in 1846 and is thought to be the oldest covered bridge in Lancaster County still in use.
Charges against Pater are still pending, reported Local 21.